Saint Francis of Assisi

Gr 3–5—Like several picture-book biographies of St. Francis, this somewhat longer account begins with the "Canticle of the Sun," its abundant lines rolling in waves interspersed with fish, birds, and small animals. The familiar prayer "Lord make me an instrument of your peace" follows on the decoratively framed title page. Demi's customary gilt framing with embellished matting suits the medieval events, though the occasional use of marbled paper as the only background lends an odd elegance to some scenes of poverty and even prison. The text, in simple, rather formal terms, running in outer columns beside the richly colored views of small figures on each page, recounts the standard elements of the life, conversion, preaching, embrace of poverty, love of animals, miracles, and widespread popularity of the man. Francis hears from God; parts with his father; and meets the leper, the nobleman Bernard, Pope Innocent III, Clare, Anthony, the wolf at Gubbio, and the Sultan of Egypt. No sources are cited, but the visionary experiences of Francis and words attributed to him are part of the story. "And Francis realized it was Christ on the Cross-glowing with love. And he realized by the inner flame of love, he himself was being transformed into Christ on the Cross." Children may find Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s St. Francis of Assisi: A Life of Joy (Hyperion, 2005) and Margaret Mayo's Brother Sun, Sister Moon: The Life and Stories of St. Francis (Little, Brown, 2000) a bit more accessible, but this version is more extensive, and the handsome, detailed artwork will be a welcome addition in many libraries.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston